Topic: EA is Reviving NBA Jam for the Wii

[Penguin_Of_Thyme]

An updated take on the classic hoops game is coming exclusively to Wii. "Boom-shaka-laka!"
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20703

 ESPN is reporting that Electronic Arts has gained the rights from the NBA to make an updated version of the arcade classic NBA Jam. The new version of NBA Jam will be a full retail product and will ship exclusively on the Wii.    

The original NBA Jam was one of the best selling arcade games of all time and is fondly remembered for its quick gameplay, memorable soundbites like "He's on fire!," and for being one of the first games with a Big Head Mode.    

Development is currently underway at EA Vancouver, creators of EA Sports Active. Assisting in development are members of NBA Jam's original development team at Midway including Mark Turmell who was the main designer and programmer.    

EA is expected to officially announce the game later this month.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Now that's what I'm talking about!!!

[broodwars]

Huh, there's one franchise I never thought I'd see revived.  Still, it could be fun to take my tag-team of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer/Paul Millsap around the arcade league old-school style.  If this is going to be a retail product, though, there had better be online play because this kind of game really requires it.

[Bboy]

Alright! This was one of my favorite games as a kid. Honestly, I would be happy if they could incorporate the motion-plus shooting of Sports Resort with the old game. I think EA's use of motion-plus for their other sports games bodes well for NBA Jam.

[BlackNMild2k1]

NBA Street just wasn't the same.... it was cool, but not the same.

Both games have been on the shelf for a while, but with both teams behind both games teaming up, we might see something that could be considered the definitive Arcade Baller since the game has made it's way home.

Throw in a little WiiSports Resort 3 point shooter/3on3 for the shots and shot blocks(M+ required) and you got yourself some skill based fun already. Also throw both hands in the air (nunchuck and wiimote) to initiate a dunk and then slam then downwards for the slam*(timing baby). I'm having fun in my head already!!! BALLIN!!!

As long as they don't put too much motion where motion doesn't need to be(like dribbling) I think this could be a big seller. Wii does seem to be playing up to nostalgia, and all us twenty something + gamers all have fond memories of NBA Jam. I know I can rope some friends in to this one. I'm already excited for this,.

DON'T **** THIS UP EA!!
 

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Don't forget motion tracking for styled dunks.  But no, EA's not THAT GOOD.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Oh, I didn't.

Also throw both hands in the air (nunchuck and wiimote) to initiate a dunk and then slam then downwards for the slam*(timing baby). I'm having fun in my head already!!! BALLIN!!!

but I think it might get a little silly to be swinging your hand in circles above your head or waving them side to side int eh air to do certain dunks.

And it's a good thing it's Wii exclusive otherwise there would be a lot of Natal hilarity revolving around this game.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Yeah imagine doing headspins on the floor translated to midair dunk animations.

[NWR_Neal]

If they give this game the same care as Tiger Woods 10 on Wii, I'm very excited.

[Bboy]

Just went back and played this for SNES. I just have to say that the graphics are terrible, the music is cheesy, and it is extremely sensitive to goal tending, but somehow it still has a charm that makes me feel like I did back in the day.

[ShyGuy]

Is this a test EA?

[BlackNMild2k1]

This is EA doing something that makes sense(consolation prize).

4 player in the same room wiimote waggling jamtastic gameplay.
hopefully with some online tournament action and leaderboards.

And lets hope for lots of hidden Characters and Teams
(Obama & Biden/Hillary)

edit: Did I forget to mention BIG HEAD Mii mode!!?

[ThePerm]

this is made of WIN

[Pale]

Pretty excited about this, but I have to say I think I'd prefer it to be an affordable WiiWare game with yearly downloadable (for a fair price) roster updates.

[SixthAngel]

He's heating up!

[Chozo Ghost]

I remember in the original game you had lots of secret unlockable characters like Bill Clinton, and maybe even Hillary if I'm not mistaken. I hope this new iteration will also have secret characters. Maybe not the same ones as the old one did, but certainly ones that are big names today like Obama and whatever...

[BlackNMild2k1]

Update: EA has told IGN the official announcement is taking place on January 11.